Pleasure Notes

a bowl full of cherries

I’ve never highlighted a food item as one of my Pleasure Finds before, but there is a first time for everything. When I discovered the table full of CHERRIES at my local market, I simply couldn’t stop myself.

Who doesn’t want to celebrate the season’s first batch of this gorgeous fruit?

In that fleeting moment when I slip one into my mouth, and bite into its tart lushness, everything is A-okay. I can forget about drizzle in the forecast, financial stress, life questions, oil-coated sea turtles, illiteracy rates in Afghanistan, and the pile of dust bunnies under my bed.

Summer is coming, and LIFE is good.

I’m not exactly the most renown fashion maven in Los Angeles. In fact, putting me and “fashion” in the same sentence rarely occurs, unless “bad” is also somehow involved. However, every once in a while I surprise myself and everyone around me by actually putting together an ensemble that wouldn’t horrify my less fashion-challenged Hollywood compatriots. That being said, I’m basically a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal or, more accurately, a yoga pants and t-shirt kind of gal. And so I have an enduring love affair with the most awesome of wardrobe-providing websites: Threadless. Let me just highlight a few reasons I’ve fallen head over heels with something that might actually be considered – gasp! – hip...

From Threadless.com

OMG! Isn’t it the cutest thing ever? I mean, really, who wouldn’t be over the moon for this design by Budi Satria Kwan? I admit I’m extremely partial to the moon, and I’ve always thought cows get a bum rap, but really, doesn’t this Fail t-shirt just make you immediately think of milk and cookies? And what could be better than that, FROM A T-SHIRT no less?

by Budi Satria Kwan/threadless.com

Well, the stuck cow might not agree. I kinda feel sorry for him, don’t you? He looks like a “Bob.” Hope you find your way down, Bob. I’m rooting for you!

by Ross Zietz/threadless.com

I become even more impassioned about endangered species than cows, however. Surprising, I know. Which is why I adore Ross Zietz’ Pandamonium. Quite a profound little statement he’s captured with his design, don’t you think? It gets me all riled up, I tell you! And the panda is so damn cute!

by Lucas de Alcantara/threadless.com

Laughter is the best salve when my emotions get hot. I don’t think you even have to be a Star Wars fan to get a chuckle from Lucas de Alcantara’s clever creation. If only we all could be so transformed with a simple New Hairstyle.

by T.J. Zhang/threadless.com

Bangs may not bring about world peace, but flowers put a smile on almost anyone’s face, even the ones in those little tanks who are bent on hurting that poor panda above. You, my lovely readers, are already familiar with how much I love blooming things, so just image how giddy I was to discover T.J. Zhang’s Blooming tee. It about sent me over the moon all over again!

I swear, if Bambi’s mom had gotten a prom picture, this would have been it!

To be fair, I’ve just pointed out my favorite designs. There are plenty of other graphics on the site that might float your boat with more bounce, so go explore (if you are so inclined). The thing I like best about this company is that it is community-based, meaning the Threadless.com membership/readership creates all the graphics, and design decisions are based on community feedback.

Like a big ole Love-In commune for cool t-shirts.

Do you have a favorite t-shirt graphic, from anywhere? Do tell!

Panda Love Tree by Paper Sparrow/Etsy

Oh golly-gosh-goodness, I’m absolutely in love with this print! I know it feels like we just got over the December holidays and New Year’s Eve’s good riddance to 2009 but Valentine’s Day IS just around the corner. I’ve never had particular cause to celebrate it with gushing joy. In fact, I’ve been known to wish some kind-hearted citizen revolutionary had thrown a smoke bomb into whatever back room held the gathering of restaurant, lingerie and Hallmark mafia who diabolically invented it. That being said, I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy this year.

I’ve been following Paper Sparrow for a while. Everything Andrea creates simply puts a smile on my face. I hope this little image of cuddly love puts one on yours as well.

Available at Target

Whenever I travel by plane, I make sure I don’t have to check any luggage. It’s too much of a hassle. And normally I do a very good job of fitting everything I need for wherever I’m going into my trusty, old, beat-up, green carry-on bag. This time, however, I misjudged the weather. I checked the five-day forecast online and saw that it would be damn cold here in New Jersey – keeping in mind that I’m now a delicate SoCal creature who cranks up the heat when the mercury drops below 75 – so I packed a winter coat and some long-sleeve t-shirts. And guess what happened? A picture-perfect autumn day! So now it’s not cold enough for the winter jacket but too crisp for just the shirt. What is a girl to do? I went shopping. As luck would have it, my business meeting took place directly across from a Target, so I popped inside. Lo and behold, I found this adorable red-check vest and instantly fell in love.

Now, I don’t even normally wear vests – my arms feel so abandoned. And plaid tends to give me flashbacks to the 80s and lumberjacks – neither of which is a good thing in my memory. But this thing is actually flattering on me! (I’d include a photo of me modeling it but I didn’t pack my connector cable for my camera either – it’s been a hectic week, folks!) More importantly, it is warm in all the right places. No embarrassing headlights on this girl – woo hoo!

It comes in a bunch of different colors, though not black and grey which would have been nice.

I never would have considered purchasing a faux-fur trimmed, plaid vest if I hadn’t found myself shivering in the Garden State. Now, I’m going to rock it everywhere. In fact, I’m wearing it right now. And I’m utterly cozy and happy.

So this is my truly unexpected pleasure find of the week.

And I’m starting to like New Jersey.

Price: $29.99. Available at Target and Target.com.

From Delight.com

I’m a sucker for candles, all kinds of candles. Except the super smelly ones. And the ones shaped like cowboy boots or the Statue of Liberty… So, basically, I just like really classy, straightforward, nicely scented candles. But then I found this chalkboard candle, and I think it is fabulous. There are just so many possibilities. I can leave it untouched, in its sleek, matte black state. Or I can decorate it to suit my every whim, using the three sticks of colored chalk that come with it – though the chalk doesn’t come in that nice little box as shown in the photo. Fun, affordable and utilitarian. Kinda hot.

Price: $19.75. Available at Delight.com and other online venues.